Associated Press reports GM to Make Changes to Pontiac Aztek

DETROIT AP reported General Motors Corp is not giving up on the Aztek, guessing its inner beauty just needs more attractive wrapping and more aggressive pricing.

``We said, `Let's make some tweaks, let's make some modifications that we think would lessen some of the criticism on the exterior style and ... really get this vehicle moving again,''' they went on to quote James Vurpillat, Aztek brand manager.

``It's too strong of a concept to just boldly not listen to anybody,'' he said.

AP reported that the Aztek team had eight months to conduct focus groups, do research and then conjure up a viable facelift for the Pontiac model.

AP reported that Crowds at the auto shows loved the monochromatic exterior color scheme and wider wheels on the original concept version.

Message received. Gone for 2002 is the two-tone look that featured gray trim, and the small wheels that made it look like an elephant on tiptoes are replaced with 16-inch cast aluminum wheels.

A spoiler has been added to soften some of the sharp lines of the Aztek's much maligned rear-end.

The price also was lowered by slightly more than $2,000. The Aztek now will start at $20,545 for a four-wheel-drive model and $23,545 for all-wheel drive.

Those tweaks may be right on target.